Beside the installation's long-standing problems with groundwater contamination from industrial chemicals, Cardin said he's concerned about Veteran Administration reports indicating the Army tested the chemical defoliant Agent Orange outdoors at Fort Detrick in the 1940s and 50s.

Cardin said the Army should thoroughly examine all potential pathways of contamination.

The EPA added Fort Detrick groundwater contamination to its Superfund list of the nation's most polluted places last year.

Fan, Follow and Text: Get the latest from NBCWashington.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Sign up for our e-mail newsletters and get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text DCBREAKING to 622339 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)